Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Dearest God,

Sophie and Gabrielle, my granddaughters stood beside me, listening to letters I have written to you about them. They wanted to hear my words about their lives, how important they are to me. Plus they were just curious about what I would say about them.

What blessing they are to me. How wonderful to read faith to them, the ways in which I have learned about you through them. What joy to share with them the matters of faith that speak directly to the heart.

Life may be complicated. It may spin out of control from time to time. It may seem like all is loss. Yet, circling around at any moment is joy ready to be released.

Whenever I want to convert my own soul from despair or doubt, I look to joy to find me. I take hold of joy's hand and allow it to lead me wherever it wants. It may be something as simple as a red leaf growing on a tree or a squirrel digging for an acorn or a grandchild's smile or a song simply sung. It can be the warmth in a room on a cold, gray rainy day.

Joy is found in blessing and blessing comes from you.

Blessed God,
I am thankful
for joy
and all
its essence.
I am grateful
to be alive
to experience
the joy
of heaven.
Hold my feet
to the ground
(unless, of course,
you want
to run
and play together)
and my head
tilted toward heaven
so that
joy will
be able
to find me.

Loving you, Andrea